All the results are here this month. I’m excited to share two amazing poems by Priscilla Bettis and Marsha Ingrao, and my flash fiction.
Marsha’s Poem:
There once was a house in the forest
Whose walls were a little bit porous
But what did we care?
We went there to stare.
And gather the candy there for us.
By Marsha Ingrao
Priscilla’s Poem:
The mother at the mailbox
pauses before returning to the house
where petunias populate the flower beds,
chimney smoke smells like vanilla,
and children’s laughter flitters.
The eaves curve as if smiling
at the daily prayer from her own mother
murmurs from the upstairs bedroom window,
even now, the rosary beads click-clicking.
It’s hard to believe this is the house
where her husband killed himself,
it’s hard to believe since then
the healing lavished upon her.
By Priscilla Bettis
My Flash Fiction:
The Cottage in the Woods
The quaint cottage was as advertised. It even glowed on a foggy mountain day.
“It has everything you asked for. The owner is leaving the satellite dish, solar panels, and propane tank at no extra cost. If you want the furnishings, they come with it; if not, they will go to charity. Mr. Wunder’s motivated to sell, and you’ll never get a deal like this again.” The chipper realtor, Rose, grinned.
I nodded, taking in the unusual landscaping. “How does one take care of the flowers on the roof?”
Rose shaded her pale blue eyes. “Sure adds to the charm. There’s a sprinkler system set up on the roof.”
As we crossed over the threshold, the overpowering smell of gardenia made me sneeze.
“Bless you. Over here is a fully updated kitchen. Don’t you love how the kitchen window overlooks that beautiful pond? The solar and batteries run the house most of the time. When it doesn’t, the generator kicks in. I love how Mr. Wunders put the panels and batteries in the field next to the house and not on the charming roof, don’t you?” Rose tucked a loose gray hair behind her ear and waited for me to respond.
“It is everything I was looking for, and the kitchen is nice. I like that it’s self-sufficient. What about the well?”
She grinned, “Couldn’t ask for a better well.” Rose pulled a report out of her large tote and handed it to me, and continued her tour. “You’re going to love the master bedroom with a huge closet, forest view, and fireplace. So many simple upgrades you can make. A fresh coat of paint, and there are hardwood floors under these carpets. The windows are double pane, and some curtains would…”
I tuned out her chatter as we explored the amazing house. The library off the master bedroom was my favorite room. I could write a bestseller there.
“What do you think? Ready to sign the papers?”
I was in love with this house, and I could pay cash for it thanks to my aunt, may she rest in peace. Plus, I’d still have had enough left over to live frugally. “What about a house inspection?”
“Everything’s been done, and the house deep-cleaned. If you are satisfied with everything being offered, the papers are ready. Mr. Wunder’s picked you out of the five interested parties to offer this deal. You are getting it way below its asking price and value, Carrie.”
Although it seemed too good to be true, and I’m not usually impulsive, this just felt right to me. I signed paper after paper and saw nothing alarming in them.
“Everything here is now yours. My brother-in-law has a moving service to get your stuff packed and delivered. Did you see that you can move right in? It’s yours rent-free until closing.”
“You are saying I can stay here tonight?”
Her smile reminded me of the Cheshire Cat. “That’s what I’m saying.” She handed me the keys that were on a yellow plastic flower bob.
“I…well, I had planned on staying at the motel tonight, but sure, why not. Any good take-outs nearby?”
“I just texted the grocery store. The essentials will arrive in two hours, and Hank’s will deliver a combo pizza at dinnertime. Wait. I didn’t even ask you if you wanted pizza. I can cancel and get you something else.”
“I love combo pizza, thank you.”
She looked relieved. “Part of my service. Welcome to your new home. Give my brother-in-law a call today. He’ll pack and bring everything to you. All I need is the key to give to him.”
“Um…how much is that?”
“Included in the price.”
“Wow. Thank you.” I handed her my apartment key.
“My pleasure.” Rose paused at the door. “You are going to be very happy here. Oh, I almost forgot your Wi-Fi password on the fridge.”
Right before the door shut, a deep male voice said, “You are going to die.”
“Excuse me?” I said.
“I said the password is on the fridge.” Rose stepped back inside.
“Thank you, I see the password, but did you hear that male’s voice?”
“I didn’t hear a thing. Could be the wind.” She glanced at the forest and shrugged.
“It said…well, never mind.” Goosebumps filled my skin.
“You’re cold. There’s wood for you by the fireplace and two cords of oak behind the house, ready to go. Sleep well.” Rose shut the door behind her.
Maybe it was the wind, but… I quickly settled into my house. It became home the first night, but at times, I felt like I was being watched.
“Probably just a curious deer or squirrel.” I sighed and went back to reading.
As promised, someone arrived with all my possessions just two days later.
“Thank you for delivering them.”
His smile didn’t go to his eyes. “You’re welcome. My boss usually does this, but his sister in law died suddenly this morning. Her heart. I’m sure you met her, Rose?”
I gasped, remembering the voice and dire message. I expressed my condolences, feeling sad and unnerved that the perky older woman had passed. By the afternoon, I had convinced myself it was a coincidence. Just the wind, like she said. I got to putting my stuff away.
A week later, I sat contentedly sipping my peppermint tea by the warm fire when a small man with pointed ears, dressed in jeans and a red plaid shirt, slid next to me. The smell of gardenia was overpowering, and I dropped my teacup, which shattered on the newly polished wood floor.
“Thought it was time to introduce myself. I’m Terrance. I come with the house.”
“You…I need to go.”
He raised his hand, and I found I couldn’t move. “Why? I’m only here to help and protect you. Mr. Wunder picked you, and you are perfect.”
Oddly, I felt suddenly calm. Had I been drugged? “What are you? And your voice, that’s what I heard that day about dying.”
“Just always been here in this house. Yes, I knew Rose was about to die. A shame, but only you can hear me. I have a knowing and can do things humans can’t.”
I could move again, but instead of fleeing, I sank more into the leather couch.”Are there more of you?”
“Only one left in these parts. Now I’ll clean that up, and you’ll be calm. You’ll get used to me soon enough. You are young enough for kids. I’d like that.”
He hummed as he cleaned, and I did feel very relaxed. I had moved into a fairy tale; hopefully, this was a happily ever after.
